Brendan's squad update for Chelsea

Brendan Rodgers has explained why he will take the same squad which performed so admirably at Manchester City on Boxing Day into another heavyweight encounter against Chelsea this weekend.

The Northern Irishman's side were unfortunate to lose 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium yesterday, despite being without the services of the injured Jose Enrique, Jon Flanagan, Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge.

Although the Liverpool captain has continued his recovery from a hamstring strain by returning to the Melwood training field, Sunday's journey to Stamford Bridge arrives too soon for the midfielder.

"None of them will be available for the weekend," Rodgers told reporters at his pre-match press conference today.

"Steven is progressing very well, so he will step up his work next week."

Nigerian international Victor Moses is ineligible to feature against the Londoners as he is on loan at Liverpool from Chelsea, and the boss will keep faith with the remainder of those who travelled to Manchester.

He added: "We won't have Victor Moses in the squad, of course, because he's a Chelsea player. Apart from that, it will be the same squad."